Julio Baptista agrees Cruzeiro deal

Julio Baptista

Rio de Janeiro - Former Real Madrid forward Julio Baptista has agreed to join Brazil’s Cruzeiro, the Belo Horizonte club said.

The move comes after Spanish La Liga side Malaga agreed to annul the 31-year-old’s contract, reports Xinhua.

Baptista arrived in Brazil Saturday and is expected to be officially presented to the club’s fans within a few days.

“I spent many years out of Brazil and thankfully I now have the opportunity to come back,” Baptista said.

“I am here to try to help Cruzeiro win trophies and bring happiness to the fans.”

Baptista admitted he was still unsure when he would debut for his new club.

“It will depend on a number of factors. We still have to get some documents signed and I need to pick up some of my things in Spain, but I think I’ll be playing soon,” he added.

Cruzeiro are currently fourth in Brazil’s top-flight standings and have qualified for the quarterfinals of the Copa do Brasil.